The Three Principle Texts of Daoism translated by ... - Bad Request

The potter says: “I can do what I will with clay. If I wantit round, I use compasses; if rectangular, a square." Thecarpenter says: “I can do what I will with wood. If I wantit curved, I use an arc; if straight, a line."But on what grounds can we think that the natures ofclay and wood desire this application of compasses andsquare, of arc and line? Nevertheless, every age extols PoLo for his skill in managing horses, and potters andcarpenters for their skill with clay and wood. Those whogovern the empire make the same mistake.Now I regard government of the empire from quite adifferent point of view.The people have certain natural instincts:--to weave andclothe themselves, to till and feed. themselves. These arecommon to all humanity, and all are agreed thereon.Such instincts are called "Heaven-sent."And so in the days when natural instincts prevailed, menmoved quietly and gazed steadily. At that time, therewere no roads over mountains, nor boats, nor bridgesover water. All things were produced, each for its ownproper sphere. Birds and beasts multiplied; trees andshrubs grew up. The former might be led by the hand;you could climb up and peep into the raven's nest. Forthen man dwelt with birds and beasts, and all creationwas one. There were no distinctions of good and badmen. Being all equally without knowledge, their virtuecould not go astray. Being all equally without evil desires